Ransomware Research

PySacrifice Ransomware

PySacrifice is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on January 1, 2026, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
PySacrifice
First Seen
January 1, 2026

How PySacrifice ransomware works

File modification behavior

PySacrifice updates file modification timestamps after encryption.

File encryption patterns

PySacrifice modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

Extensions added after encryption
  • .sacrificed

Ransom note and payment demands

After encrypting files, PySacrifice displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

fileRECOVERY_INSTRUCTIONS.txt
notes/RECOVERY_INSTRUCTIONS.txt

Location: Desktop

message
notes/RECOVERY_INSTRUCTIONS.txt

Location: OnceOnCompletion

screenshot
notes/sys_bg.jpg

Location: Desktop

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with PySacrifice ransomware:

  • 2i0vqw.exe

About this analysis

This PySacrifice ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like PySacrifice.

Last updated: April 1, 2026

Detection coverage

Elastio detects PySacrifice inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify PySacrifice across live data, replicated data, and backups. If this family is in your environment, Elastio finds it before encryption completes. Run a hunt against your recovery points to confirm.